1. First off, what initially inspired you to start teaching pole dancing classes?

    Angi Carlston: I saw an episode of Oprah that featured pole dancing in Hollywood. I knew instantly I wanted to try it and eventually teach. My Pilates and dance experience made me the perfect candidate to teach this type of movement.

2. What were/are your goals and intent with starting Divine Movement? And how did you chose its name?

    Angi: My original goal was to share this movement with as many women as I could. I fell in love with it and became so passionate about it. I felt other women would fall in love with it too. Now my goal is mainly to teach my students everything I know.  My curriculum is bursting at the seams. I also have plans to make a workout/dance video this year, and hopefully a pole video for women who can't make it to the studio.
    The name Divine Movement comes from a previous business name. I used to make jewelry and sell it. I called it Divine Jewelry Design. So, it felt natural to call the dancing Divine. The name reflects the essence of the way I feel when I am dancing: I feel divine.

3. How would you describe the type of workout you get when taking one of your classes?

    Angi: Well, it's like nothing else I've ever done. It's so much fun, and it is hard to stop once you get started. I love it because the floor workout stretches and elongates your
muscles. And the benefits go beyond the physical. You also get to exercise your playful side.  It engages a part of you that doesn't get much free time.

4. Would you say is it different (or the same) from other types of exercise like yoga, pilates or aerobics?

    Angi: The workout is a little like Yoga and Pilates in regards to the effect it has on your muscles. The difference, though, is the truly feminine aspect. It's sensual in a beautiful, womanly way. The class has much more of a dance and flow aspect than Pilates or Yoga. You really come out feeling alive inside your body.
        The pole work portion of class strengthens your abs and upper body amazingly. I was very much a weakling when I started, and I continue to be amazed at my students' and my progress.

5. How would you distinguish Divine Movement from other Seattle-based pole classes like Pole for the Soul?

    Angi: I haven't taken classes yet anywhere else in Seattle, but I try to emphasize my experience with dance, Pilates and teaching. I also put a lot of creative energy into my classes and give my students things to look forward to each week.
    I think my philosophy is the biggest difference though. I really encourage my students to recognize what a beautiful and powerful gift their sensuality is. How special and unique they are.  I hope my students have fun and come out feeling great about themselves as women.

6. Are there any new announcements or updates involving the future of Divine Movement?

    Angi:I recently filmed an instructional DVD with just the exotic dance moves called "Strip It to the Core Moves and Fantasties." It's actually not owned by me, but I taught all the moves on it and created the choreography. It should be available by next month.
    My next video will be the workout. I am really excited about that.

Divine Movement's next class sessions begin March 27. Level-one classes are once a week for eight weeks at one of the following times:

Fridays @ 7:45-9:30
Saturdays @ 10:30 am- 12:15pm
Saturdays @ 5:00pm- 6:45pm

Also available are private lessons, pole parties and pole workshops. To reserve a spot in one of her classes or schedule another package visit Angi's contact page.